Reflections
This Sunday marks the culmination of our Fall Stewardship Campaign. We hope to have all of the financial commitments returned so that we make a formal presentation at the altar, remembering the ultimate source of our lives and the gifts so freely given to us (Note: we will, gladly and thankfully, accept pledge cards after Sunday, as well!).
Sunday after Sunday we do something very similar, and it is so familiar within our liturgy that it often passes without our noticing. As we talked about last week in our Sunday School class, everything we do liturgically prior to the presentation of our financial resources and the preparation of bread and wine at the altar, is preparing for the great offering of “ ourselves, our souls and bodies” to God. It is that self-offering that is the pivotal moment in our worship. “Here we are, Lord. Take us and use us”.
The bread and wine is lifted up to God. The alms basin is lifted up to God. Both are symbols of ourselves and our willingness to be used by God. The alms basin stays on the altar, and along with the bread and wine, is blessed and given purpose far beyond its earthly origins.
What we do at Nativity, week after week, is a paradigm for our life outside the four walls of the church. Inside, we are practicing for how we are called to live outside. By means of a grateful heart we offer what is “ours” to be used by God. God will take what we offer, bless it and use it (us) in ways we can hardly imagine!
As important as funding is for the ministry of the Church of the Nativity, more important still is our growing in the capacity to offer ourselves to God. Stewardship campaigns offer us another opportunity to practice such life-changing behavior.
We will be celebrating all of that on Sunday!
Sunday’s Scriptures:A Few Brief Thoughts
Malachi 4:1-2a
As our liturgical year winds down scriptural themes begin to focus on “end times”.
Malachi, in a message that echoes throughout scripture, affirms that, even in the midst of things passing away, the faithful will endure and find healing.
Psalm 98
God will not abandon the faithful and will provide the strength to endure. All creation celebrates the victory of our God. I especially love the image of celebration evoked in “Let the rivers clap their hands…”
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Apparently the church in Thessalonica was dealing with certain members who were so sure of the imminent return of Jesus that they had quit working, thus creating hardship for others. Paul reminds them of the responsibility for all to contribute to the healthy functioning of the community. In an era when extreme individualism is the dominant cultural norm, the interwoven nature of our common life is too often forgotten.
Luke 21:5-19
In what is known as the “Little Apocalypse” Jesus describes the difficult path ahead for the faithful. It is a counterbalance to those who expect nothing but a bed of roses as a reward for their faith. Jesus was clear again and again that there will be suffering from time to time for the faithful. He was also quite clear in his teaching, that, “ By your endurance you will gain your souls.”
Other Matters of Interest
Adult Sunday School Concludes
This Sunday(November 13) marks the end of our adult class for the fall. I’ve had a great time with the class and plan to offer a six Sunday class focusing on the Gospel of Mark next Spring during the season of Lent (February 26-April 2).
Bishop Seage to Visit Nativity February 12
The Right Reverend Brian Seage, Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi, and our link to the world-wide Anglican Communion, will be joining us Sunday, February 12, to preach and celebrate the Eucharist. If there are those wishing to be baptized or reaffirm their baptismal vows with Bishop Seage, please let me know. Similarly, if you are interested in the sacramental rite of Confirmation or Reception into this communion through the apostolic laying on of hands, please contact me. (601-260-1937/ dmgrayiii@gmail.com)
If you’d like to know what all of the above terms mean, we can have that conversation as well!
Due to Bishop Seage’s planned retirement, this will probably be his last visit to Nativity.
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Duncan
601-260-1937
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